Monday, February 23, 2009

My contribution to Ste's moleskine for the 42nd moleskine exchange, in which I sort-of-failed-to-reread-the-theme immediately prior to leaping into the picture. It was meant to be "something from your imagination that isn't based on anything in the real, physical world", so I've called it "Impossible Tree" - sorry, Ste!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

"you see, Miss, this here ought to have been a red rose-tree, and weput a white one in by mistake; and if the Queen was to find it out,we should all have our heads cut off, you know. So you see, Miss,we're doing our best, afore she comes, to--' At this moment Five, whohad been anxiously looking across the garden, called out `The Queen!The Queen!' and the three gardeners instantly threw themselves flatupon their faces. There was a sound of many footsteps, and Alicelooked round, eager to see the Queen."

Sunday, February 15, 2009

I decided to draw Vrouw Holle (Mother Hulda). Not sure if we can technically call her a witch, but she is a mythical figure with magical powers, so I think that counts. I loved that story when I was little.

I'm happy to report, I've completed my entry in Elvia's Moly. It took me a while to commit to my idea for this moly because the very first idea that popped into my head had nothing to do with animals...sort of. Finally I couldn't help but move forward because the original idea would not be dislodged from my brain.

As I was working along, a light bulb went off above my head (it's very startling when that happens). So I took a break and made an ATC for the back pocket. Elvia, your ATC is the one on the right:

I've been on a pencil kick lately. I did use fixative on it so it won't turn into a graphite smudge.

The text reads:

"Where are the farm animals?" you ask. Don't you see them—as plain as the nose on your face?

I'm talking about the mugwhomps, of course. Actually, it's a small squad of military mugwhomps in a split and stagger formation.

My dad told me all about mugwhomps when I was only 6 or 7 years old, and frankly, I'm surprised your dad didn't tell you.

Mugwhomps are the police/military corps of the farm yard/field. They protect and organize the farm animals. You'll frequentlysee cows reporting to the mugwhomps when they go out for exercise. And you'll often see animals taking shelter near the mugwhomp formation.

My dad didn't tell me this specifically, but I suspect they do a great deal of training with the Buckingham Palace Guards—they are similarly unflappable in their duty.

I had a very entertaining childhood...slightly confusing...but very entertaining. :-)